This Atlantic stretch south of Agadir is one of the easiest “big payoff” drives in Morocco: wide horizons, relaxed towns, and dramatic red cliffs near Legzira. With a little timing discipline (wind, tides, and daylight), it becomes a calm 2–3 day loop rather than a long day of rushing.
If you’re arranging your car through MarHire in Agadir, this guide helps you plan the route, stops, and parking so your road time stays efficient and your beach time stays unhurried.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Route Overview and Realistic Drive Times
- Best Time of Year and Daily Timing
- 2-Day Itinerary: Efficient and Relaxed
- 3-Day Itinerary: Beaches + Slow Travel
- Best Stops Along the Way
- Sidi Ifni: Where to Park and What to Do
- Legzira: Timing, Tides, and Parking
- Road and Safety Notes for This Coast
- Packing and Car Setup Checklist
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Quick Answer
Plan this as a 2–3 day loop so you can arrive in daylight, catch a sunset at Legzira, and still drive safely back without rushing. Expect roughly 2.5 hours of driving from Agadir to Sidi Ifni in normal conditions, plus short hops between towns. Build your days around two anchors: Sidi Ifni’s calm Art-Deco vibe and Legzira’s cliffs at low tide.
Route Overview and Realistic Drive Times
Most self-drivers go south from Agadir toward Tiznit, then continue to the Sidi Ifni area and nearby beaches. For planning, use these realistic segments:
- Agadir → Sidi Ifni: about 155 km and roughly 2h 36m of driving time (traffic leaving Agadir can add variance).
- Agadir → Mirleft (useful mid-stop): about 124 km and roughly 2h 02m.
- Sidi Ifni → Legzira: about 12 km and roughly 13 minutes.
Key planning point: do not treat this as “one long drive.” It is a sequence of short, easy legs, perfect for a 2–3 day pace.
Best Time of Year and Daily Timing
This coast is windy by nature, and that can be a benefit (cooler temperatures, dramatic waves) or a nuisance (sand in the car, harder beach lounging).
Daily timing that works well:
- Depart Agadir in the morning so you reach Sidi Ifni while the sun is still high and parking is simpler.
- Do Legzira at low tide if you want to walk close to the rock formations and cliffs (high tide can compress the walkable sand). Many visitors specifically recommend low tide.
- Aim for late afternoon / sunset at Legzira for the best cliff color, but only if you can return to your accommodation in daylight.
2-Day Itinerary: Efficient and Relaxed
Day 1: Agadir → Tiznit/Mirleft → Sidi Ifni
- Leave Agadir after breakfast.
- Stop once to break the drive: either a quick urban stop (Tiznit area) or a coastal breather (Mirleft area).
- Arrive Sidi Ifni mid-afternoon.
- Do a simple first loop: viewpoints + short town walk + early dinner.
Why this works: you reach Sidi Ifni with time to park calmly, check in, and still enjoy the town without squeezing everything into a late arrival.
Day 2: Legzira sunrise or late morning + return north
- Start with Legzira while it’s quiet (or time it to low tide).
- Drive back north with one intentional stop.
- Return Agadir before evening fatigue sets in.
3-Day Itinerary: Beaches + Slow Travel
Day 1: Agadir → Mirleft (or nearby coast)
- Keep it light: beach time and a calm overnight.
- You reduce day-one driving fatigue and arrive “fresh” for Sidi Ifni and Legzira.
Day 2: Mirleft → Sidi Ifni + Legzira sunset
- Short drive into Sidi Ifni.
- Afternoon in town (architecture, viewpoints).
- Sunset at Legzira.
Day 3: Legzira (low tide walk) → return to Agadir
- A second Legzira visit is worth it if you missed low tide on Day 2.
- Return with a relaxed schedule.
Best Stops Along the Way
You only need one or two stops each direction. Over-stopping turns a scenic trip into constant parking and reloading.
Good stop types:
- Coffee + stretch stop (10–20 minutes): keeps you sharp.
- One “real” beach stop (60–120 minutes): makes the day feel like a trip, not a transfer.
If you want a practical “stop ladder,” Mirleft is a common midpoint because it breaks the drive into manageable segments.
Sidi Ifni: Where to Park and What to Do
Sidi Ifni is known for its calm pace and Spanish-era urban character. A quick background read helps you understand why the town looks and feels different than nearby places: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidi_Ifni
Parking approach (simple and low-stress):
- Park once near your accommodation or on the edge of the central zone, then walk.
- Avoid “hunting” for the closest spot near viewpoints; Sidi Ifni is manageable on foot.
What’s worth doing (without overplanning):
- A short architectural/streets loop (keep it relaxed; the vibe is the point).
- One viewpoint session (windy cliff edges are common; keep a safe distance).
- Early evening: Sidi Ifni often shines at golden hour when the light softens.
Legzira: Timing, Tides, and Parking
Legzira is famous for its red sandstone scenery. One of the best-known arches collapsed in September 2016, so expectations should be “dramatic cliffs and remaining formations,” not “two perfect arches.”
Timing rules that matter:
- Low tide increases walkable space and reduces the “trapped by water” feeling near cliff edges.
- Sunset is visually strongest, but do not let sunset push you into a late, tired drive.
Parking and access tips:
- Park once, lock the car, keep valuables out of sight.
- Wear shoes that can handle soft sand and uneven rock.
- Treat waves with respect, this coast can surge.
Road and Safety Notes for This Coast
This route is not technically difficult, but it rewards disciplined driving:
- Expect occasional crosswinds and sand on exposed stretches.
- Keep a larger following distance behind trucks to reduce stone chips.
For Morocco speed limit context by road type (useful when you’re switching between town segments and open-road segments), the OECD/ITF road safety profile lists passenger-car limits (urban/rural/motorway) in Morocco: https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/morocco-road-safety.pdf
Packing and Car Setup Checklist
Before leaving Agadir:
- Full fuel (saves time; stations exist, but don’t start low)
- Phone mount + charger
- Water, light snacks
- Wind layer (this coast can feel cool even when sunny)
For Legzira specifically:
- Closed-toe sandals or light shoes
- Small towel + wet wipes (sand)
- A simple “tide-aware” plan (arrive with time margin)
FAQ
Q: Is Agadir to Sidi Ifni doable as a day trip?
A: It’s possible, but it often feels rushed because you spend a big part of the day driving. A 2-day plan is usually the sweet spot for enjoying Sidi Ifni and Legzira properly.
Q: How long does it take to drive from Agadir to Sidi Ifni?
A: Plan around 2.5 hours in normal conditions, with variability depending on traffic leaving Agadir and your stops.
Q: How far is Legzira from Sidi Ifni?
A: It’s very close, around 12 km and roughly 10–15 minutes by car.
Q: What’s the best time of day to visit Legzira?
A: Low tide is best for walking space, and late afternoon/sunset is best for light on the cliffs, just avoid turning sunset into a late-night drive.
Q: Is the famous Legzira arch still there?
A: One of the iconic arches collapsed in September 2016, but the beach remains worth visiting for its cliffs and remaining formations.
Q: What car type is best for this trip?
A: A normal compact or sedan is sufficient for this paved coastal route. Prioritize good tires and strong AC over “bigger car” logic.
Conclusion
Agadir to Sidi Ifni and Legzira is a high-reward coastal drive when you treat it like a 2–3 day trip: arrive in daylight, time Legzira for low tide, and let Sidi Ifni be slow and atmospheric rather than “checked off.” With a simple stop plan and disciplined timing, you get the scenery without the stress.